Assembly Leader Gives Raises to Top Aides

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — State Assembly Speaker John Perez wasn't the only one who received a pay raise when he assumed the leadership post at the start of the month.

The Sacramento Bee reported Monday that the Los Angeles Democrat boosted pay for eight of his staff members on March 1, the day he was sworn in. The newspaper obtained the information under the state public records law.

Perez spokeswoman Shannon Murphy says the speaker's staff is taking on a "tremendous amount of additional new work" now that he is leader of the 80-member body.

Perez's salary grew from $95,291 to $109,584 when he assumed the speakership.

Murphy said Perez is cutting the Assembly's overall operating budget by 15 percent. The state Senate is continuing its salary freeze and monthly furlough day.

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Melanie Morgan

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